Hunting quad

xxclaro · #1 08-22-2010

Thinking of buying a quad next year for elk and moose hunting. I had a Polaris Scrambler about 10 years ago that I really liked but I don't think it would be ideal for my current needs. I don't need anything big,just something to putter around on clearing trails and hopefully dragging out game.Also want to be a ble to get a seat for the wife to ride along. I was looking at some new ones and they have gone up in price since I bought mine! Thinking I might have to go used. What machines have you found to be the most reliable and useful? I don't need to go ripping up the trails no more,them days are over. I want something that'll get me there and back reliabely. Also noticed the smaller machines are cheaper and lighter,so that is also a bonus. I see that the oilfield guys seem to run mostly Honda's,are they that much more reliable then the rest?

albertadeer · #2 08-22-2010

honda

elkoholic523 · #3 08-22-2010

If i were you i would get a used yamaha grizz 700 with pwer steering it helps a ton when you got a passenger and it only ways 600 pounds same as a 500 honda.Ive got 4200km on mine and ive never had a single problem.Still on the original belt and its still in perfect conditon and ive pulled my fair share of moose and hondas out of the bush with it.

Hooter · #4 08-22-2010

I had a 1995 Honda Foreman 400 that was bullet proof and extremely reliable and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one in an instant. It won't win any races down the trail and it didn't have any bells and whistles, but it was a fanstastic machine.

I did, however, sell that quad a few years ago and bought a Yamaha Grizzly 700 EFI EPS and haven't regretted it. I find my arms and shoulders are much less tired after a full day of riding, and the ride is EXTREMELY comfortable. On the down side I find the Yamaha engine isn't as smooth as the Honda's and it seems to bog down a bit when the mud gets thick. This may be because I have 26" Mudlite XTR's but I'm not positive because those are the only tires I've had on it since new. I've heard a clutch kit can resolve this, but I haven't had a chance to buy one yet. The only other thing I don't like about the Yamaha Grizzly 700 is that it doesn't have a pull start, so if you're in the bush and the battery craps out you're screwed.

Just my $0.02

-Trevor

bagwan · #5 08-22-2010

Google Coopers RV and check out their used prices for an idea on pricing. They bring them up from the States. Very reasonable.

xxclaro · #6 08-22-2010

Wow,Coopers looks like the place to go. Thanks for the link,I was looking for something like that. '
I really don't think I need a 700cc quad with power steering and all the rest. I kind of like the no frills thing with less things to go wrong and a back-up starting method is an absolute must,as I'll often be out alone with no one to boost me.
I don't need to buy before next spring/summer so I have some time to research what I need. I'd love to see a fact sheet on some of these quads to see what they weigh in at and things like that.

Tracker34 · #7 08-25-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by albertadeer

honda

X2. I put over 10,000 kms on a 450 Foreman one summer. I have a 250 SX trike (1986) runs like a top. Wouldn't buy anything but a Honda. Was thinking of getting a Honda 420 Trail Edition.

Kawibunga · #8 08-24-2010

I look at it like wondering which pickup truck is best. They are all nice nowadays, its what ever suites your preference or your pocket book.

I ride an 07 Kawi BruteForce 650. Purchased it cause I liked the price, liked the looks and it had favorable reviews. I've taken it hunting since I've had it and its been a great machine. That being said I've rode lots of Honda Foremans, a few grizzilies, sportsman 500 and 800s a Suzuki 700 and a done up Can-Am 800. All nice machines. ( I suspect the Cat is nice as well )

If you want a smooth ride that doesn't wear you out, definitely go with independent rear suspension. I'm not a Polaris fan but its almost like ridding a lazy boy they're so comfy. For any rough country riding I'd definitely suggest power steering. I could not believe how nice it was when I would switch between my buddies 700 Grizz and my Kawi. If you want light weight and simplicity you can't argue against the air cooled Honda's, and now a few even have IRS like their 420, which is a nice machine.

Good luck with your decision

Robert

duffy4 · #9 08-24-2010

For the use you describe a simple reliable Honda sounds like a good choice.

I have a VERY old 350 4 trax. I just mainly use it to haul out game and it works great for that. The battery is long ago dead so I kick start it once or twice a year and away it goes.

Walleyes · #10 08-24-2010

There really is only one answer to the question...

HONDA

BrownBear416 · #11 08-24-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walleyes

There really is only one answer to the question...

HONDA

Maybe 5 years ago...

Now its ..

Can Am

Walleyes · #12 08-24-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrownBear416

Maybe 5 years ago...

Now its ..

Can Am

Sorry big guy but no way..

Honda will always remain number one on resale value.. Will always remain number one one reliability and these are things that are important..

If its power and speed you are looking for than yah go for one of the new kids on the block.. But if you want to get home after a long day at field or after a long few years after being at field and you still want to get home than there is one machine..

Sorry there is only one machine to run.. Its RED and its the BEST...

We can debate this all day and I can get the numbers to prove it if I have to but in the end you know it and I know it...

Honda is the most reliable machine there is..

sparky660 · #13 08-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walleyes

There really is only one answer to the question...

HONDA

That was the case years ago but not in recent years. You would only see Honda's with survey crews but more and more you are seeing Yamaha's and suzuki's compete for the market. I would put any yamaha against any Honda and keep up quite easily in a durability test. The ones claiming that Honda is and always the most durable are the ones who have little to no experience in the ATV community.

ishootbambi · #14 08-28-2010

the japanese quads are better built period. take em apart and you will quickly see why. polaris is the poorest design by far.

honda450 · #15 08-28-2010

Many people overlook Suzuki. Maybe its the name. I have one amoung a Honda, Kawasaki and a Polaris. Polaris and Kawasaki are big bores. But comparing the 450 Honda and the 400 Suzuki. I will take the Suzuki, mind ya the Honda is no slouch drug many a moose out with that bike. But the Suzuki does handle and steer way more easy and has a better ride. Yet to be tested dragging out a moose.

Price wise guys that are looking for quads the Suzuki is very much taking a look at over the over priced Hondas.

Treefarmer · #16 08-28-2010

Read thread with some interest.

I'm looking at a work quad for the tree farm.

Some use running back and forth between tree yard and shop.

Main use would be hauling a string of nursery trailers. (4 wheel trailers 4x10' that have all 4 wheels that steer, and linkages so they track the leader.)

The aisles in my farm are too narrow to use a pickup, and I want something that the high school kids that work for me can use. I don't trust them with my tractor.

Would also get used pulling firewood out of the bush.

I figure I need one of the heavier 4WD ones just for traction. Doesn't need speed. Doesn't need ground clearance. Basically want a quad that thinks it's a garden tractor.

elkhunter11 · #17 08-28-2010

Quote:

I'm looking at a work quad for the tree farm.

Some use running back and forth between tree yard and shop.

Main use would be hauling a string of nursery trailers. (4 wheel trailers 4x10' that have all 4 wheels that steer, and linkages so they track the leader.)

The aisles in my farm are too narrow to use a pickup, and I want something that the high school kids that work for me can use. I don't trust them with my tractor.

Would also get used pulling firewood out of the bush.

I figure I need one of the heavier 4WD ones just for traction. Doesn't need speed. Doesn't need ground clearance. Basically want a quad that thinks it's a garden tractor.

My Honda Rubicon was perfectly suited for that application.The hydrostatic transmission is a perfect match for that use,that is why they are are so often used on agricultural machinery.The Rubicon isn't overly fast,it isn't the smoothest ride,but it easily dragged out elk and moose,and it never broke down on me.